HEALTH & SAFETY
H
ealth and Safety is mainly common sense, not putting yourself or fellow members in any type of risk, everyone is responsible for their own actions. H&S matters are contained in the Club’s ‘Constitution for Groups’ (CfG) and specifically in the Risk Assessment documents contained within the CfG. Event Risk Assessment(s), must have taken place prior to the commencement of each Rally (Temporary Campsite). The last two years have continued to be challenging. Following the gradual easing of the national lockdown as commercial campsites started to re-open to the public, we were able to kick start Groups’ rally programmes. Comprehensive Covid-19 related Risk Assessment documents were prepared and issued to Groups to follow for Covid-19 safe rallying (called Temporary Campsites). Once the Government deemed it safe to completely relax the regulations, we returned to rallying as we know it, including using halls to gather for our social events. However, as this handbook goes to print, a new variant has been discovered, and some Government regulations are being reintroduced. In this constant state of potential changes, it is impossible to state here and now what will be happening with Health & Safety and our Risk Assessments other than, we will be keeping up to date with the UK Hospitality Sector regulations and updating our response as necessary.
102 Motor Caravanners’ Handbook 2022
KEITH POOLE Safety Officer Below are listed a few simple safety tips: • Portable Gas Appliances: Portable gas appliances are often used on rallies, I would advise that these devices are only used externally and NOT for any reason used inside your motorhome. When not in use store in a locker which is ventilated at a low level to an external outlet. • BBQ Orange rubber gas tails or leads to your bbq should be checked for date of manufacture (printed on pipe). Replace if over five years old. • Annual Habitation Check: An important check which should not be missed. Included will be a check of your gas system which will show up any defects. • Fire extinguishers: These only have a life of about five years; just because your extinguisher shows in the green, it does not mean that this appliance is okay and will work, it only means that there is pressure in the bottle – the powder inside could be rock hard. Have your extinguisher checked. Note: only fire extinguishers with the British Standard mark should be used. Remember protecting your motorhome in the first 10 minutes of a fire is your responsibility... stay safe. • Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment: Many groups carry around to the rally field kettles, electric urns and alike. These are classed as portable or moveable electrical appliances and unless they are double insulated they have the potential to cause an electric shock if there is a fault with the earth connection. As a result, the Health and Safety Executive recommend that the equipment has a portable appliance test to ensure the earth connection is sound. PAT of electrical equipment is not a highly involved job and need not be costly. Full details can be found on HSE’s website. To all group committees, please don’t leave the safety of our members to chance and do the right thing.
